We are truly honored to receive this award. With so many incredible organizations making a difference, it’s humbling to be recognized among Long Island’s best Corporate Citizens. At Zorn’s, giving back is part of who we are. Each week, we donate food to Island Harvest and support local schools, organizations, and nonprofits with gift baskets for raffles and community events regularly. We proudly offer daily discounts to Veterans and First Responders, and above all, we strive to be good neighbors, doing our part to keep our community strong and thriving.
The following is an excerpt from an interview with LIBN.
Describe your company’s mission around corporate responsibility and/or community impact.
Zorn’s of Bethpage is more than a cherished Long Island institution, it’s a family business that upholds tradition while embracing corporate responsibility. For 85 years, the company has preserved its heritage by maintaining the original recipes and cooking methods that built its reputation, even as it modernized its facilities to better serve today’s customers. But it’s true impact extends beyond the kitchen. Through the leadership of fourth-generation owner Merrill Zorn-Jensen, the business is deeply woven into the fabric of the local community – supporting charitable causes, serving on civic boards, and giving generously to local organizations. This is a business that doesn’t just feed the community, it sustains it through values rooted in legacy, service, and pride.
What strategies or initiatives have you led that you believe made the most meaningful impact?
One of the most meaningful initiatives was the transition to a new, state-of-the-art facility in 2019. This wasn’t just a building renovation, it was a community-centered effort to preserve the legacy of Zorn’s while creating a space that could better serve customers and employees. By minimizing our footprint and leveraging modern technology to operate the building, we’ve created both an environmentally and energy-efficient space with a lasting positive impact.
Another initiative is the continued commitment to local philanthropy. Working closely with regional nonprofits, schools, and food programs, we ensure that we’re not just giving back, but showing up, year after year. These efforts have reinforced trust with our customers and deepened our ties to the community we’ve served for generations.
What advice would you give to other businesses or organizations looking to deepen their impact?
Our advice to other businesses is simple, stay rooted in your values, and let those values guide your actions. Deepening your impact starts with genuinely understanding your community’s needs and showing up consistently. Build relationships, not just transactions. Whether it’s through supporting local nonprofits, mentoring other small businesses, or preserving traditions that matter to your customers, the most lasting impact comes from being present, authentic, and engaged. Also, don’t underestimate the value of your team, when your employees feel empowered and aligned with your mission, their pride becomes part of your brand. Longevity and trust aren’t built overnight, they’re earned through small, meaningful decisions made every day.